People are crazy about Billy Currington

Billy Currington may be the most relaxed singer in the country-music roster.

Entertainment Weekly has praised his effortless charm, Billboard has hailed his relaxed delivery, and The Associated Press noted "an easy-going soul vibe" on his latest album, "Enjoy Yourself."

Despite his laid-back demeanor, Currington has earned a reputation as a hard-working entertainer who puts everything he's got into his shows every night, according to his online bio. He's taken the stage several times at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena, a facility he helped build on his day job while pursuing his musical dreams. He says he still considers himself a working man who is drawn to exploring life's simple truths and pleasures.

Saturday, he'll go to work on the Memorial Auditorium stage, with special guest Brantley Gilbert.

Currington's new album is titled "Enjoy Yourself," and the singer says that's the plan for fans.

"That's what I want people to think about doing when they hear my music," he says. "I want them to have a good time."

Five Fast Facts

IF YOU GOWhat: Billy Currington in concert, with special guest Brantley Gilbert.When: 8 p.m. Saturday.Where: Memorial Auditorium, 399 McCallie Ave.Admission: $25 and $29.75, plus convenience fees.Phone: 642-TIXS.Website: www.ChattanoogaOnStage.com.

1 Since his self-titled debut album in 2003, he has charted 10 Top 10 hits, with seven of those hitting No. 1: "Pretty Good at Drinkin' Beer," "That's How Country Boys Roll," "People Are Crazy," "Don't," "Must Be Doin' Something Right," "Good Directions" and "Let Me Down Easy." The latter topped the charts in March as Currington was kicking off his opening slot on Kenny Chesney's Goin' Coastal Tour.

2 Besides Chesney, Currington's tour mates have included Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Sugarland and Zac Brown Band. In 2004, he memorably swung from a chandelier in the music video for a "Party for Two" duet with Shania Twain. Last November, during a concert stop in Chicago, Currington surprised fans by bringing out superstar artist and Grammy Award-winning producer Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds for a soulful collaboration of "Change the World."

3 He impressed David Letterman. After performing "People Are Crazy" on "Late Show," Letterman told Currington, "This song will change your life. You're not going to do any better than this song here."

4 He wrote the chorus for his debut single, "Walk a Little Straighter" when he was 12, inspired by his home life with an alcoholic stepfather. The song tells the story of a child watching his drunk father stumble through the door and vowing not to make the same mistake when he becomes a father.

5 Raised in Rincon, Ga., about 30 minutes outside of Savannah, Currington auditioned at the Opryland theme park in Nashville in his junior year in high school but didn't make the cut. Undaunted, he returned to Nashville after high school to pursue a career in music. That stint didn't last long, but he returned after paying his dues at a bar in Georgia. Back in Nashville, he worked for a concrete company and then part-time as a personal trainer. Since his music career took off, he has sold 11 million records.

Source: Online sites

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